When it comes to daily living and mobility aids they can sometimes take up more space than you were expecting, leaving you with the dilemma of where to put it or store it when not in use. Not to mention trying to transport it if you need to take it away with you somewhere.
Sound familiar? Luckily there are often folding versions available, which are a great option to consider if you’re short on space. Here are a few of our favourites.
Commodes are a great option to consider if your mobility isn’t what it once was. They give you a safe space to relieve yourself without having to struggle to reach the bathroom in time. This folding commode has a steel frame, so it’s incredibly strong, but at the same time can also fold up flat when needed (without the commode pan). This makes it far easier to store if you don’t have the space to have it out all day or if you’re getting away from it for a few nights and need to fit it in the car.
The NRS Healthcare Folding Commode isn’t just handy for storing, it’s also easy to clean, thanks to the plastic seat and armrests. Plus, it has anti-slip ferrules on the end of each leg to help make sure it stays stable on a range of surfaces.
Looking for a bit of extra support while walking? The NRS Healthcare Compact Easy Rollator is a great option to help you get around, whether you’re popping down to the shops or out for a walk with friends. When you need to store it away or put it in the boot of a car, all you need to do is pull the seat upwards to fold it in half. Need it to fold down even smaller? You can fold it in half again just by unclipping the levers on the sides of the frame – great for when storage space is at a premium.
If you find it tricky to stand long enough to enjoy a shower or are worried about losing your balance while you’re in there, a shower chair may help. Shower chairs are designed to give you a place to rest while you get clean and come in a variety of different types depending on your needs.
The NRS Healthcare Folding Shower Chair is a great option to consider if you have limited space in your shower, especially if others who don’t need the chair will be using the shower. By folding it up, you don’t have to worry about where to put a big chair when it’s not needed. It also has a cut-away section at the front to make it easier to deal with personal hygiene when showering.
This delightful walking stick comes in a variety of different colours and patterns, so you can choose the one that matches your personal style. The polished wood Derby handle gives you a comfortable, secure grip while you walk and it has a non-slip, non-marking ferrule on the end too.
The highlight of this walking stick is how sturdy it is, while still being able to fold up into four sections to make it easier to store away when not needed (no more trying to scrabble around to pick up a stick that’s fallen to the floor). It’s even height adjustable, too, so you can set it to a comfortable position for you.
Doing tasks around the home can sometimes feel extra hard when you’re low on energy. Using a perching stool gives you a place to rest while doing them, so you’re not expending energy on standing up as well as doing what you need to do, like the washing up.
Like all the products in this article, this perching stool has a folding frame, so it can be stored away when not needed without taking up a lot of space, but what we especially like is the padded back, which offers that touch of extra support beyond a basic perching stool.
It’s important to remember that perching stools should not be used in the shower or a wet room area.
For those that need help getting around and aren’t able to walk long distances even with the help of mobility aids like rollators, it may be time to consider a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are for anyone who needs them, you don’t need to be permanently unable to walk in order to make use of one.
The Deluxe Folding Wheelchair is a great option to consider if any of this is sounding familiar. It’s lightweight, making it a little easier to lift in and out of the boot, but also very strong and able to accommodate people weighing up to 21st (135kg). It’s able to fold down, making it easier to store away until needed.
In need of a mobility scooter but lacking in storage space? Take a look at this Folding Mobility Scooter that has been designed for easier travelling. It folds and unfolds in less than 20 seconds using the remote control, so you won’t be left trying to dismantle it manually yourself. It’s incredibly lightweight too, weighing just 21.5kg, which makes it a bit easier to lift it – should you need to.
Its ability to fold up means there are more potential storage options for it, such as under the stairs. It may also fit in your car boot (depending on the size of your boot) making it extra useful for when you’re travelling to help you get around unaided.
The Economy Folding Toilet Support Rail is designed to help you get on and off the toilet with more ease. When not in use or if needed for transfers, it can be folded up out of the way. As it's a fitted rail, you can make sure that it's at the perfect height for your needs.
The diameter of the rail makes it comfortable to grip and hold onto as it feels sturdy and supportive.
It's worth noting, however, that this rail must be fixed to a weight-bearing wall in order to achieve it's maximum load capacity, so be sure to check your wall before purchasing.
By signing up you consent to us using your email address in accordance with our privacy policy.